Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators The international professional organization for writers and illustrators of children’s literature

When Noreen Kruzich (then Noreen Kruzich Violetta) arrived in Canada from the States, she was astonished to find that SCBWI had no presence north of the border. She addressed that situation in 1997, founding the SCBWI Canada chapter and becoming its the first RA, with Lizann Flatt serving as the first ARA. Interest in the organization grew rapidly, and in 2004, the chapter split into Canada East and Canada West. Canada East has enjoyed remarkably stable leadership. When Lizann ultimately became RA almost a decade af the chapter's 1997 founding, Alma Fullerton was named ARA. In 2014, Alma assumed the role of RA, with Michelle Jodoin as ARA. In that time, SCBWI Canada East has also had two Illustrator Coordinators. Christine Tripp debuted the role that Peggy Collins now fulfills.